The Rise of AI Voice Scams: When the Caller Sounds Too Familiar

Technology has made our lives easier in countless ways but it’s also helping scammers become harder to detect. Using artificial intelligence, fraudsters can now mimic the voices of real people, from a loved one to a company executive, with frightening accuracy.

How the Scam Works

Scammers use short clips from social media or voicemails to create near-perfect voice clones. They call pretending to be a family member or co-worker in urgent trouble. Maybe they claim they are stranded, arrested, or injured. They ask for money or sensitive information, and their voice sounds real.

Because these calls rely on panic, many victims act before verifying the story.

Protect Yourself and Your Family

If you receive an urgent call that feels off, pause and verify. Hang up and call the person back using a known number. Avoid sharing too much personal information online. Even short videos can provide enough audio for scammers to replicate your voice.

Families can also create a “safe word”, which is a simple code that can be used to confirm authenticity during emergencies.

Remember...

• If someone calls with an urgent request, hang up and call them directly using a saved number.
• Be skeptical of calls demanding secrecy or quick payment.
• Establish a family “safe word” that only real loved ones would know.
• Limit what you post publicly — even short videos can be used to clone your voice.

AI impersonation scams are unsettling because they play on emotion and trust. But slowing down, verifying, and communicating directly are still the most effective defenses.